Tag: News

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The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority under the Office of the Governor, is announcing an important update to its fare structure, effective Jan. 1, 2025. This marks the first fare increase since the program’s inception in 2013, and it is a crucial step in supporting the expansion of our public transit services.

While COTA is federally funded, it is important to note that we cannot solely depend on federal funding to meet the growing needs of our communities. Federal grants help maintain our existing operations, but they do not provide enough resources to enable expansion, especially in response to the increasing demand for transit services. As grantees of the federal program, we are allowed to charge a fare, and the revenue generated from these fares plays a vital role in the sustainability and growth of our transit system.

The decision to adjust fares comes in light of several critical factors, including:

• Rising operational costs, particularly the significant increase in fuel prices and maintenance expenses, have placed additional pressure on our budget.

• The need for continued service expansion, including new routes to improve accessibility to underserved areas and ensure our system keeps pace with population growth.

• Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program, as the funding provided by the federal government does not adequately support expansion efforts or the rising costs of running the system.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the following updated fares will apply:

TransitCNMI: Fixed Route Service

• General Public: $2 per trip

* Discounted: $1 per trip

This is for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities, active military, veterans, and their families. They must present valid ID.

CALL-A-RIDE-SAIPAN: Demand Responsive Shared Ride Service (curb-to-curb, reservation-based)

• General public: $7 per trip

*Discounted: $5 per trip

This is for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities, active military, veterans, and their families. They must present valid ID.

With this fare increase, we will be able to:

Expand and improve service, adding new routes to enhance connectivity across the Commonwealth.

Ensure sustainability by funding to maintain and upgrade our fleet, facilities, and infrastructure.

Improve the overall experience for our riders, with more frequent service, cleaner buses, and a more reliable transit network.

Additionally, we would like to inform riders that any existing passes or tickets purchased before January 1, 2025, will expire on March 31, 2025. Passholders or ticketholders are encouraged to take note of this expiration date and plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

We understand that fare increases can be concerning, but this is a necessary step to ensure that COTA remains a sustainable and responsive public transportation option for all residents. By investing in our transit system today, we are working toward a future where COTA can continue to grow, adapt, and serve our communities for years to come.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of our riders, Disability Network Partners, and the community as we continue our efforts to provide safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation. Together, we can create a more connected and vibrant Commonwealth.

For more information on the updated fares and pass expiration dates, please visit our website at transit.cnmi.gov/.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @TransitCNMI or contact the One-Call/One-Click Transportation Information Resource Center at (670) 236-2682. 

Original article: https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/cota-announces-updated-fare-structure-to-support-service-expansion/article_0df293e0-aa27-11ef-8971-d7a6132f8e40.html

In honor of those who have served, or are currently serving our country, the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, under the CNMI Office of the Governor, is providing free public transportation to all U.S. military service members and veterans this month on Saipan on their demand responsive shared ride program and fixed route service.

COTA Planning coordinator Natasha Palacios told Saipan Tribune they’re extending free rides as a small gesture to show their gratitude for the individuals who have served our nation.

“We wanted to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans, not just on that special day, [Veterans Day] but throughout the entire month. This initiative is our way of showing gratitude and support for their service,” she said.

Operational hours are from 6:30am to 8:30pm from Monday through Friday and from 6:30am to 8pm on weekends and holidays.

“We, at COTA, want to express our deep gratitude to veterans for their service and sacrifice,” said Palacios. “We believe that offering free rides throughout November is just a small way to honor and recognize their contributions. To all veterans, we want to say thank you for your bravery and dedication. We hope this initiative makes your travel easier and reminds you that your sacrifices are deeply appreciated by our community.”

COTA special assistant for Public Tansportation Alfreda Camacho Maratita shared that COTA is a proud supporter of veterans and military servicemen, as well as an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve member since the inception of the program in 2013. She added that veterans, active military members, reserve components, and their families are also eligible for their normal discounted fare. She shared that with the demand-responsive shared ride program, they can pay a nominal fee of $3 per way, and then on the fixed route, it’s 0.50¢ per ride.

Maratita shared that military service members and veterans have a special place in her heart as several of her family members are currently serving and served.

“At COTA, we remain dedicated to supporting these brave individuals in meaningful ways. We are committed to ensuring accessible and reliable transportation services for our veterans, connecting them to essential resources, healthcare, employment opportunities, and community engagements. Our veterans have served us with distinction, and we are determined to serve them with the same level of dedication, honoring their contributions by helping them navigate daily life with ease and dignity. We are here not only to serve them as valued members of our community but also to support their journey and well-being at every turn. To every veteran, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and a promise to stand by your side as you have stood by ours. Thank you for your service and for being a continued source of inspiration to us all.”

For more information, call (670) 236-2682 or visit transit.cnmi.gov.

Original article from Saipan Tribune: https://www.saipantribune.com/news/local/cota-offers-military-service-members-veterans-free-rides-this-month/article_ee5b2968-a0b5-11ef-909d-d7ba39ee41d3.html